Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a
behavioral disorder that can occur in children and even adults. ADHD symptoms
may manifest in three main areas: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
Here are some signs of this disorder in each of these areas:
### 1. Hyperactivity:
- **Excessive Movements:** Engaging in movements beyond what
is necessary, such as getting up from a seat when expected to stay seated.
- **Difficulty Restraining Movements:** Trouble controlling
movements and sitting still in a natural manner.
- **Excessive Talking:** Engaging in overly talkative and
loud conversations.
### 2. Inattention:
- **Difficulty Maintaining Focus:** Struggling to maintain
focus on a specific task for an extended period.
- **Lack of Self-Processing:** Difficulty processing tasks
sequentially or performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- **Mind Wandering:** Mind filled with various thoughts,
rapidly shifting between topics.
### 3. Impulsivity:
- **Lack of Organization and Discipline:** Difficulty
adhering to rules and constraints.
- **Failure to Keep Meal Times:** Forgetting meal times or
not allowing others to adhere to their meal schedules.
- **Impulsive Behavior:** Engaging in actions without
considering consequences or potential precautions.
The difference between mischievous behaviors in children and
the behavioral symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is
significant. Due to limited awareness, especially among parents, many tend to
label their child as hyperactive based on their mischievous behaviors. This is
incorrect, and every energetic child should not be categorized as hyperactive,
as there are many differences between the two. For example, a hyperactive child
has so much energy that they cannot sit still without constant movement and may
have a peculiar inclination towards destructive actions, causing frustration
and stress for parents.
Some noticeable symptoms of hyperactive children include a
lack of concentration, impulsive movements without prior thought, constant
activity, nervous issues, slow learning pace, tendencies towards depression,
talkativeness, interest in engaging in risky activities, and more.
When parents remain indifferent to observing such symptoms
and consider them as normal stages of development, timely intervention may be
delayed, and the child enters educational environments like preschool and
school with these challenges, affecting their learning process. Specific
behaviors of these children in the school environment include a lack of focus
and attention during class assignments, making it difficult for them to learn.
Additionally, due to their high energy levels, they struggle to stay seated,
disrupting not only their own focus but also the class order. Consequently,
they may not be well-liked in school, often remaining alone without close
friends.
What is the cause of hyperactivity?
The causes of hyperactivity in children are attributed to
various factors, sometimes arising from genetics and genetic mutations, and in
some cases, environmental factors contribute to the development of this
disorder. The following are mentioned as possible causes:
• Maternal stress during pregnancy
• Low birth weight
• Presence of infection or viral entry into the baby's body
during childbirth
• Biological and chemical imbalances in the child's brain
• Lack of attention and effective emotional connection
between the child and parents
• Maternal lead poisoning during pregnancy
Treatment for Hyperactivity in Children
Considering that the earlier therapeutic services are
received, the more effective their impact becomes. Experts have noted that the
optimal time to start and implement therapeutic solutions for hyperactive
children is before the age of 5, and the efficacy of these methods diminishes
with increasing age.
It is important to note that relying solely on therapeutic
services is not sufficient for the improvement of a hyperactive child. Parents
must provide a supportive mental and emotional environment to enhance the
effectiveness of treatment and guide the child's behavior towards a more
natural state.
Among these factors is the increase of parents' knowledge
and awareness of the symptoms and behaviors of hyperactivity, as well as the
methods for treating and controlling this disorder. Attention should also be
paid to environmental factors.
Having restful sleep is one of the mentioned factors, as
many hyperactive children experience sleep problems such as snoring, teeth
grinding, waking up very early, difficulty falling asleep, and more.
If parents can improve the quality of their children's sleep
through actions such as reducing TV watching, engaging in light sports during
the day, and limiting computer games, they will be less likely to witness
inappropriate behaviors.
Consequences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
As mentioned, a hyperactive child possesses abundant energy
and is inclined towards impulsive movements and risky activities. Typically,
the emergence of such behaviors lays the groundwork for difficulties in the
relationships of these children with others. This not only causes trouble for
classmates and teachers but also creates tension for family members who may not
show much inclination to interact with the hyperactive child.
The poor performance of a hyperactive child in social
interactions and relationship-building leads the child to feel inadequate,
experience a lack of self-confidence, and have low self-esteem. In such a
state, the child may not take their abilities and talents seriously and
possesses a very weak sense of self-belief.
Parents play a crucial role in preventing such situations
since, as we know, all children have unique talents and abilities, and
hyperactive children are no exception to this rule. Therefore, parents should
encourage their child by observing even the smallest successes in academic and
social aspects, repeating such actions through verbal encouragement or
gift-giving.
In this article, we have tried to familiarize you with this
disorder. In the subsequent articles, we will share more details about this
disorder and its treatment methods with you.